Labs of Contextualized Urban Social Work
How to prepare students for field research
Tips
- Connect with your field partner to plan a walk.
- Involve residents to guide the walk, they are the experts.
- Show both the good and the bad parts of the neighbourhood.
- See Module 6 for a deeper description of the walk
What is the first field visit?
The first field visit is a recommended starting point for meaningful fieldwork. We advise to conduct the first field visit together with students, social workers, academic staff, and local field partners.
Inspired by Jane’s Walk the visit includes a guided walk through the neighborhood to explore:
- Physical space
- Social interactions
- Local dynamics
Why does it matter
The first field visit can be seen as an opportunity to build a shared understanding of the local context. It not only gives students an idea of where they have arrived, but their fresh outlook on things, their beginner eyes, can be valuable for social professionals as well.
We hope your walk will encourage participants to observe attentively, identify spaces of connection or exclusion, and reflect on (in)visible social dynamics.
See the walk as more than a walk but as an invitation to see, listen and learn. Let go of your prejudices and try to develop a grounded and respectful approach to the community.
Partners
